NZ websites being targeted by child porn peddlers

Netsafe executive director Martin Cocker says businesses are being targeted because more people are going online to shop and there is a greater chance of them inadvertently clicking on links to child abuse material. Photo / Thinkstock

New Zealand is among 30 countries being targeted by child porn peddlers who are setting up links on business websites that click through to child abuse material.

The warnings come from Italian police and European Union's law enforcement agency Europol.

New Zealand internet safety organisation Netsafe executive director Martin Cocker says businesses are being targeted because more people are going online to shop and there is a greater chance of them inadvertently clicking on the spam.

"The theory, from the people who produce these websites, is that some of the people who visit will be intrigued and will stay and become paying subscribers," says Mr Cocker.

Italian police say 20 people have been arrested after they clicked on to the spam and used credit cards to acquire child pornography.

- NEWSTALK ZB